Environmental concerns for Chignecto Isthmus and surrounding communities

I'm writing on behalf of myself and my family as residents of Strait Shores. We would like to express our concerns and opposition of the Centre Village Renewables Integration and Grid Security Project.

We oppose the construction of this gas powered plant because of the environmental effects that it will have on the whole South-East region of New Brunswick, specifically the Chignecto Isthmus. The Chignecto Isthmus is an environmentally sensitive area that is the home of many species that are already at risk and is the only corridor of land connecting New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. It is also a vital migratory path for many bird species.

We are also concerned about the projects use of ground water and how the local wetlands, wells, brooks, streams, rivers, and lakes will be impacted. The placement of the power plant on ground that is higher than the surrounding areas means that the discharged effluent will be dispersed to the lower lying areas that feed into the local waterways and ultimately to both the Bay of Fundy and the Northumberland Strait. The impact of this on the fish and aquaculture is also unknown. 

On a more personal level our son attends Nature Camps held at the the Atlantic Wildlife Institute which is located very close to the Centre Village RIGS project. He has learned so many things about the local environment and wildlife. As a young person he is very concerned about how the animals and birds will be impacted. 

We are disappointed in the lack of communication and oversight concerning the approval of this project. 

We encourage decision makers to stop this project until independent environmental and community impact studies are conducted and publicly reviewed. We ask that NB Power and the province of New Brunswick explore, developed, and invest in more environmentally friendly sources of power for current and future generations.